Click here for the Aug. 5 printable version of GPconnect.
In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EQUIP DISCIPLES
- Learn to discern your call with online class from Southwestern College
- Heritage UMC starts community garden
- New blog features Lay Servant Ministries
- Register now for Leadership Institute 2015
- Bishop Jones receives check for $4000 from Grannie Annie
- for Camp Comeca
- All-day fall youth kickoff planned for Aug. 29
- Larger churches invited to learn more about children’s ministry
MERCY AND JUSTICE
- Ministering to young U.S. military personnel
- Conference to hear from UMC Global Ministries missionaries
- Epworth Village announces new CEO
- Epworth youth accept challenge
Editorial:
Mission agency commissions 15 young adults
Enthusiasm and challenge marked the reception on July 30, of 15 newUnited Methodist young adult missionaries for service in the United States. The new Global Mission Fellows will work for two years in ministries that link faith and justice issues.
The young men and women were commissioned, that is, appointed by the church, in a joy-filled service of worship at the chapel of The Interchurch Center, the current headquarters of the denomination’s mission agency, the General Board of Global Ministries. Drum and saxophone accompanied the soon-to-be missionaries as they entered the chapel in a syncopated line, pausing in course to hear scripture readings that set the worship themes of water and the tree of life.
Read more from Fifteen New Young Adult Missionaries to Serve in United States.
The Great Plains United Methodist Rural Advocates Gathering set forAug. 7 – 8, in Hays, Kansas, has been canceled.
Learn to discern your call with online class from Southwestern College
The Institute for Discipleship at Southwestern College, a United Methodist college in the Great Plains Episcopal Area, is enrolling students in the BeADisciple Academy. The academy is an online, 24-week exploration of God, self and call for high school- and college-age youth who are dedicated to growing in their faith. Enrollment will be open through Sept. 10. Throughout the class, students will explore the entire Bible, identify their unique gifts for ministry and discern how God is calling them to use their gifts in the world.
The cost is just $48, or just $2 per week. Sessions run concurrently with fall and spring academic semesters. Register online at www.BeADisciple.com/academy.
Heritage UMC starts community garden
In the winter of 2013, Heritage UMC (HUMC) in Overland Park, Kansas, formed a committee to research the idea of a community garden and what it would take to make this project a reality. According to Heritage pastor, Russell Brown, the goal of the project was three-fold.
“The idea for the garden came from our Health Ministry team originally,” Brown said. “They wanted to help folks in the congregation eat healthier. But we also saw it as a way to reach out to an apartment community nearby, and to make the garden a way to help us give fresh produce to community food banks. It is a real win-win-win.”
The first hurdle the garden team had to overcome was the cost. After mapping out a site plan, however, they obtained a $2,700 grant from The Big Garden organization in Omaha, Nebraska, which gave them the upfront money needed to get started. But then bureaucracy reared its head.
“Unfortunately, it took us a year to get the city planning commission’s approval,” said Pete Morley, head of the Heritage Community garden project “That approval was contingent upon completion of an ADA parking spot and a 200 foot water line.”
Fortunately the obstacles were overcome and garden construction began in May 2015. The garden dimensions were 100’ X 50’ which was then subdivided into 14 individual plots and a large community plot. The produce from the community garden plot would be donated to a food pantry.
The marketing piece for the community garden was developed and distributed to church members and people living in the surrounding area. By mid-May all of the plots were rented.
Fortunately, many church members/neighbors pitched in to make the community garden a community project. A scout raised money to construct a steel fence and a wooden gate and to mulch all the pathways. Others donated tools or money to purchase needed items. Other members volunteered their time and their skills, and the youth help plant.
According to Morley, the unseasonably rainy spring in Overland Park has been a real challenge for the first season of the Heritage garden.
“Certainly, the spring weather provided many challenges during the planting and early growing season,” said Morley. “The 16 inches of rain we had in May badly damaged the spring crops. We are now looking forward to a fall crop — hopefully with more cooperative weather.”
Garden plans for next year include adding sulfur to lower the pH level and compost to help break up the clay soil, all of which aims to improve crop productivity.
The mission of HUMC community garden is to provide the opportunity to grow and serve God by providing the space, education and assistance needed to cultivate gardens. A portion of these gardens will be distributed to those in need. HUMC’s vision is that their faith community and neighbors work together to garden and serve Jesus Christ.
New blog features Lay Servant Ministries
While we have many skilled pastors across the Great Plains Conference, all United Methodists are called to be ministers for Jesus by sharing their faith. For some, that may mean filling in at the pulpit. For others, it may mean leading a mission project or teaching a Bible study. For others, it may mean putting their music skills to work. The Lay Servant Ministries program aims to hone those discipleship skills via training and then service.
A new blog has been created on the Great Plains website. Look for the Lay Servant Ministries logo as our district leaders in this important ministry take turns writing every other week about the program and share not only what it means to them but how you can get involved in a meaningful way.
The first blog post comes from Mary Feit, the Lay Servant Ministries director for the Great Plains Conference.
Register now for Leadership Institute 2015
Leadership Institute at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, in Leawood, Kansas, brings together clergy, church staff and volunteers who share a passion for renewing churches. Leadership Institute will be held Oct. 1-2 (Pre-Institute to be Sept. 30), and features the theme of “Go and Lead.”
Lean in to the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by investing in your leadership and leaders of your church. Bring your ministry leaders to the largest mainline church training event in the country and be equipped, renewed and inspired to "Go and Lead."
Equip yourself with practical ministry ideas for any context through more than 80 different ministry workshops. Renew your passion and commitment to ministry leadership through worship, fellowship and encouragement from peers from across the country. Inspire your congregation and community by casting vision and creating plans for renewal of the church.
Details and registration can be found at li.cor.org. If you have any questions, you can submit them to catalyst@cor.org.
Bishop Jones receives check for $4000 from Grannie Annie for Camp Comeca
Ann and Dick Trail of McCook, Nebraska, hosted a tea party for Bishop Scott Jones Monday, July 27. Bishop Jones came to speak with Ann Trail, who has been selling prayer beads to raise funds for two camps.
Previously, Ann raised $10,000 for Camp Norwesca, by selling prayer beads Ann made. With Ann’s donation, Camp Norwesca was able to purchase a new roof on the outdoor chapel after the fires in the Chadron area a couple of years ago. On July 27, Ann was again able to deliver a check to Bishop Jones for one of the Great Plains camps. This time, the check, in the amount of $4000, will be used for a cabin at Camp Comeca. Those who were attending the tea party, were Ann’s husband Dick, Patty Keene who assisted with making many of the prayer beads, and Pastor Alisa Parde (CLM at Culbertson Trinity and Trenton First United Methodist churches).
“Great job Grannie Annie, and thank you Bishop Jones for coming all the way to McCook, Nebraska,” said Pastor Alisa Parde. “We are all on a mission now to raise more funds for Camp Comeca, may God bless this ministry, and help us to reach our goals. Amen.”
All-day fall youth kickoff planned for Aug. 29
Kick start your youth fall activities with a one-day event at Camp Fontanelle in Nebraska.
Middle-schoolers and high-schoolers are invited to take part in a day full of activities aimed at helping them build relationships with peers and with Jesus. The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 at Camp Fontanelle, just northwest of Omaha.
The cost is $20, which includes two meals, worship, games such as laser tag and jumping pillow, a zipline and more. The registration deadline is Aug. 24.
Download the registration form.
View flier.
For more information, contact the camp atfontanelle@greatplainsumc.org.
Larger churches invited to learn more about children’s ministry
Leaders in children’s ministries at larger local churches have the opportunity to learn how to be more effective at reaching the youngest people in society during the annual Children’s Ministry Forum.
The forum, scheduled for Nov. 17-19 in Little Rock, Arkansas, is an annual conference for children’s ministry leaders in large United Methodist congregations, usually considered to be more than 300 in worship. It is sponsored by Discipleship Ministries, the Large Church Initiative and the United Methodist Publishing House.
Through inspirational preaching, insightful keynotes, dynamic pre-conference seminars and revitalizing workshops, conference leaders will affirm, teach, encourage and guide participants as they grow in their ministry together. This year the forum will welcome the Rev. Telley Gadson, the Rev. Leanne Hadley, the Rev. Claire McKeever-Burgett, the Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Cleaver III and more.
With five different pre-conference seminars and more than 100 workshops to choose from, there is definitely something for everyone at this event. There also will be time for networking, sharing of ideas and spiritual renewal.
Register today.
Six students complete course of study at Saint Paul School of Theology
Six students with ties to the Great Plains Conference completed their course of study July 30 at Saint Paul School of Theology. They were anointed by their professors to go out to serve the church and the world.
The graduation ceremony was conducted at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas.
Graduates were: (front row, left to right) Glen Duderstadt, Berniece Ludlum and Scott Tempero, and (back row, left to right) Jerry Yount, Jerred Haydock and Bob Clemence.
Ministering to young U.S. military personnel
Friends of Our Troops, out of New Madrid, Missouri, is excited to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original letters to the military program, which was known as Vietnam Mail Call. Friends of Our Troops’ Mail for Our Military campaign continues that proud tradition, as plans are underway for the card and letter collection for Christmas 2015.
The group extends special thanks to Saint Marks UMC of Daleville, Virginia, led by George Pappas which was the leading United Methodist Church nationally in the most recent campaign. They were also one of the leaders among all churches nationally. The project would be suitable for United Methodist churches anywhere in the U.S.
Cards and letters from across the nation are received at the group’s headquarters, where it is thoroughly mixed. It is then separated into many hundreds of packages to be sent to U.S. military personnel across the U.S. and around the world. Special emphasis is placed on sending as much mail as possible to deployed and overseas-based troops.
To learn how you, your family, and your United Methodist group can help to make Christmas just a little brighter for U.S. troops, please send your name and address to Friends of Our Troops, P.O. Box 100, New Madrid, MO 63869. Instructions must be requested in advance. Friends of Our Troops thanks you, and so will our troops.
Conference to hear from UMC Global Ministries missionaries
Sandy Rasch will be traveling the entire Great Plains Conference Sept. 5 - 20. Emmanuel and Florence Mefor will be in the Hutchison and Wichita area Oct. 2 - 4.
If your church or church group is interested in hosting one of these missionaries, contact the Rev. Alan Gager atagager@greatplainsumc.org as soon as possible with the following information:
Preferred speaking date and time.
If the above date and time is not available, would an alternate be feasible for you?
To what group will they be speaking?
Who will be the direct contact person for your church/group?
Has your church/group hosted a missionary before?
If housing is needed would your church/group be able to financially pay for a hotel room or find a host bedroom? (Depending on the schedule this may be the night before or the night of the speaking engagement.)
Would your church/group be able to financially assist with transportation costs?
If needed (instead of the prior question) would your church/group be able to pick up and/or drop off the missionary from/to their next speaking location?
Once Gager receives this information, he will contact the person listed in question four.
An excellent fit
Epworth Village announces new CEO
A six-month search for a permanent executive director for Epworth Village, Inc., York, Nebraska, has now been completed with today’s announcement by Dr. Nancy Dob, president of the Epworth Village, Inc. Board of Directors.
Margaret Donovan of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, will begin her new position of chief executive officer of Epworth Village on Sept. 8, 2015. Donovan is currently serving as Sacred Heart Center executive director.
Sacred Heart Center is located on the Cheyenne River Indian reservation in north-central South Dakota. Donovan directs the center’s services which include four primary programs: child services, community outreach, family violence services and a thrift store. Sacred Heart Center services cover more than 4,707 square miles and includes some of the poorest, yet fastest growing, counties in the nation.
A Nebraska native, Donovan was born and raised in Valentine. She received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from University of Nebraska at Kearney and her juris doctor degree from Creighton University Law School in Omaha. Her professional focus has centered on children and families in crisis. She brings with her a wealth of experience working with at-risk youth and families. In addition, Donovan has worked within the framework of private, state and federal programs and in grant writing which will bring a new level of expertise to Epworth Village as it continues to expand its services.
Epworth Village is a Christ-centered family services agency and project of the United Methodist Church since 1889. Epworth Village works to bring hope and healing to youth and families in a compassionate and caring manner. Programs include; residential care, in-home family services, foster care training and support, transitional living and youth education through the Epworth Village Learning Center.
Epworth Village, Inc. Board President, Dob is “very excited about the selection of Margaret Donovan, a very qualified and experienced professional. She will be an excellent fit, coming to us with a similar background in our services, yet with an expanded area of expertise. We are looking forward to Margaret’s energy and ideas as we continue moving forward with our team efforts and mission. We are so thankful for Harrietta’s leadership over the past year during our transition. She will be returning to her position as a United Methodist Missionary coordinating the Epworth Partners Program. Harrietta and her husband Cliff will be returning to their home in Beatrice after a transition period.”
A community open house to formally welcome Donovan to Epworth Village is in the works. Date and time will be announced in the coming weeks.
Photo: Margaret Donovan of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, has been named chief executive officer of Epworth Village, Inc. in York. Donovan will be moving to York, assuming her duties on Sept. 8, 2015.
Reaching new heights
Epworth youth accept challenge
Epworth Village Boy Scout Troop 314 reached new heights during a visit to Cornhusker Council Boy Scout Outdoor Education Center (OEC) just east of Lincoln, Nebraska. The youth, both young men and women, accepted the challenge presented by the indoor rock climbing wall.
It was safety first as OEC staff hooked Epworth youth up to safety equipment prior to their climb.
Epworth Village Behavior Interventionist Shavon Skelton accompanied the group. Skelton says, “I just wanted to share with everyone what an awesome experience this day was for our youth. None of them gave up and even though some didn’t make it all the way to the top they all pushed themselves and truly gave it their all. They supported each other and used excellent communication, and teamwork helping one another try to get to the top. This was exciting to see, as most of them were afraid to climb the wall, but by the time we left they all had tried it at least twice and repelled down from the top too. This is why I love what I am doing here.”
Scout leaders Tammy and Ray Boston made the trip possible, and graciously invited girls from the newly opened Dinsdale Cottage to go along.
“It [the outing] was a reward for working hard the whole year. We went out to CiCi’s for pizza afterward,” Tammy states.
Epworth Village CEO Harrietta Reynolds says, “I think that Tammy and Ray Boston, as representatives of the Boy Scouts, are the perfect example of committed and dedicated volunteers. I appreciate them. These activities enrich our clients’ experience and get them out into the community. The Bostons are remarkable.”
Epworth Village is a National Mission Institution of the United Methodist Church. Epworth Village, Inc., is non-profit agency based in York, Nebraska. From its beginning as an orphanage in the 1880's, the mission of Epworth Village has been to bring hope and healing to children and families in the name of Christ.
Photos: Epworth Village boys and girls had the opportunity to make their way up the rock wall at the Cornhusker Council Boy Scout Outdoor Education Center just east of Lincoln, Nebraska. Epworth Village Boy Scouts from Troop 314 found there were rewards for reaching the top of the rock wall including getting to ring the bell and scoring a sweet treat.
Editorial
Faith-based reasons to oppose death penalty
Editor’s note: The following letter appeared in The Independent, a daily newspaper out of Grand Island, Nebraska. It is the opinion of retired Great Plains Conference United Methodist pastor, the Rev. Steve Griffith. He has provided his remarks for this week’s edition of GPconnect.
I remember the first time I was called on as a young minister to speak against the death penalty. It was at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bertrand, Nebraska. Trembling and uncertain how we would be received, another pastor and I shared our own beliefs about the sacredness of all life and the ineffectiveness of the death penalty.
In the 32 years since, we Nebraskans have kept talking, debating, advocating — and I hope not shouting too angrily. Now our elected representatives have listened and have replaced the death penalty with life in prison without parole.
Nebraska’s United Methodist, Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian and evangelical leaders stand together to oppose restoring the death penalty. Christianity teaches that we are created in the image of God — every one of us. And so each person is essentially good, and has divine potential. We are all God’s children, and each person’s very being is filled with the sacred breath of God.
Read the full letter on The Independent’s website.Faith-based reasons to oppose death penalty
Story by Rev. Stephen Griffith
I remember the first time I was called on as a young minister to speak against the death penalty. It was at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bertrand, Neb. Trembling and uncertain how we would be received, another pastor and I shared our own beliefs about the sacredness of all life and the ineffectiveness of the death penalty.
In the 32 years since, we Nebraskans have kept talking, debating, advocating — and I hope not shouting too angrily. Now our elected representatives have listened and have replaced the death penalty with life in prison without parole.
Nebraska’s United Methodist, Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian and evangelical leaders stand together to oppose restoring the death penalty. Christianity teaches that we are created in the image of God — every one of us. And so each person is essentially good, and has divine potential. We are all God’s children, and each person’s very being is filled with the sacred breath of God.
The death penalty denies this basic belief, that God can work in the life every person – no matter who they are or what they’ve done, no matter how tarnished or twisted or sinful – and transform their soul, their very being.
Some Christians who voice support of the death penalty point to passages that prescribe death by stoning for a variety of offenses. But Jesus took the opposite approach. Speaking to authorities who asked him what to do with a prisoner whose crime warranted execution, Jesus said, “Let anyone among you who is without sin throw the first stone.” (John 8.7)
I believe it is wrong to take a human life. It is wrong to take revenge. It is wrong to take a human life as revenge.
Many religions share an emphasis on mercy and compassion. These are nice-sounding ideas, but difficult in real life. They sound so warm and fuzzy, but how can real people facing real hurt and justified outrage have mercy and compassion? Mercy, however, is not a matter of waving off the seriousness of the offense. Compassion is not feeling sorry for someone. To have compassion is to open oneself to a bit of the hurt of the world, and to recognize that we cannot heal that hurt by adding to it. To show mercy is to work our hardest to treat another with the same kind of respect we want for ourselves, even if the other person is most unlovable or undeserving.
I’ve been speaking from my own faith perspective, but there are many other reasons to oppose the death penalty. Others have articulated these well. There are practical problems with the death penalty, including the way it is applied disproportionately to minorities.
There is the problem of error. Since 1973, 154 people under a sentence of death in the United States have been exonerated. Some of these people were convicted using false confessions and false evidence. Other convictions were overturned because of prosecutorial misconduct.
There is the problem of the delay of justice. Because death is such a final punishment, our legal system rightly goes to great lengths to strive for a right decision. The practical result is that the punishment becomes simply an idle threat. Without the death penalty, there is real justice. Those convicted will serve the rest of their lives in jail.
A wise elder reminds me from time to time to practice what she calls “holy agnosticism.” It’s a reminder to admit that I don’t know everything, don’t have perfect understanding or all the authoritative answers. Perhaps that’s my message for us all: we’re human, not God. Our human judgments are imperfect, and our decisions often flawed.
That, ultimately, is why I oppose the death penalty. I hope all Nebraskans will search their hearts, and decline to sign the petition.
The Rev. Stephen Griffith is a retired United Methodist pastor who lives in Lincoln.
Newsletters
Enthusiasm and challenge marked the reception on July 30, of 15 newUnited Methodist young adult missionaries for service in the United States. The new Global Mission Fellows will work for two years in ministries that link faith and justice issues.
The young men and women were commissioned, that is, appointed by the church, in a joy-filled service of worship at the chapel of The Interchurch Center, the current headquarters of the denomination’s mission agency, the General Board of Global Ministries. Drum and saxophone accompanied the soon-to-be missionaries as they entered the chapel in a syncopated line, pausing in course to hear scripture readings that set the worship themes of water and the tree of life.
Read more from Fifteen New Young Adult Missionaries to Serve in United States.
Fifteen New Young Adult Missionaries to Serve in United States by Elliott Wright
New York, New York, July 30, 2015—Enthusiasm and challenge marked the reception today of 15 new United Methodist young adult missionaries for service in the United States. The new Global Mission Fellows will work for two years in ministries that link faith and justice issues.
The young men and women were commissioned, that is, appointed by the church, in a joy-filled service of worship at the chapel of The Interchurch Center, the current headquarters of the denomination’s mission agency, the General Board of Global Ministries. Drum and saxophone accompanied the soon-to-be missionaries as they entered the chapel in a syncopated line, pausing in course to hear scripture readings that set the worship themes of water and the tree of life.
They were charged and challenged to see themselves as equipped by God for their work. “You have all you need,” was the watchword of the sermon by Bishop Jane Middleton, resident interim episcopal leader of the New York Annual (regional) Conference, who presided at the commissioning.
The 15 include persons from 11 annual conferences, who are assigned to work sites in eight conferences. Global Mission Fellows are 20 to 30 years old, and typically are single, recent college graduates. The 2015 class has the distinction of including three couples: Kimberly and Gregory Bishop from Virginia, Caitlin and Andrew Kastner from Missouri, and Victoria and Nicholas Stanford from Michigan.
The Bishops are assigned to the Nome Community Center in Alaska, and the Kastners and Stanfords will work in Miami and Jacksonville in projects related to the Young Adult Missional Movement of the Florida Annual Conference. Other work locations include Philadelphia, Detroit, rural Virginia, Tucson, Arizona, Oklahoma City, and Washington, D.C. [see list below].
Global Mission Fellows is a two-year old program that builds on decades’ old precedents. It operates in U.S. and international components. Those who serve in the U.S. are called US 2s, and are placed through affiliates—regional church units, institutions, or organizations—that take primary responsibility for specific work, which can vary over the course of two years.
To date, more than 150 Global Mission Fellows have answered “yes” when asked, in this case by Bishop Middleton, if they believed they were led by the Holy Spirit to mission service. They further promise to do their work “in love and humility, with integrity and sincerity.” More than 50 others are expected to be commissioned for international assignments in late August.
As they approached the chancel, the young people removed their shoes, named something they were leaving behind in becoming missionaries, and then poured a pitcher of water into a common basin—symbolic of leaving behind one life and joining—through the water—the missionary community of faith and service. Things being left included “fear and doubt,” “the feeling of inadequacy,” “easy choices,” and “the comforts of home.”
Bishop Middleton’s sermon, based on verses in Luke 9 in which Jesus sends out disciples as missionaries without baggage, told the missionaries they were chosen, empowered, and blessed by God for whatever lies before them. She asked them to repeatedly say to themselves, “God is with me!” Their message in all they do, the bishop said, is the message of God’s love. “There is no limit to the love of God manifest in Jesus Christ,” she declared.
After being commissioned to “take the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ into all the world,” the missionaries offered in unison the historic covenant prayer that begins, addressed to God, “I am no longer my own, but thine.” Each received an anchor cross, the traditional sign of United Methodist missionary service.
The Global Mission Fellows program in all its facets takes young adults such as these out of their home environments and places them in new contexts, where they become part of new local communities. One objective is to connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. Another is to encourage the young people to grow spiritually and socially, becoming strong leaders committed to building justice communities and a peaceful world.
The new US 2 Global Mission Fellows are, alphabetically, by home annual conference and placement:
• Kimberly Bishop, Virginia, to: Nome Community Center, Alaska
• Gregory Bishop, Virginia, to Nome Community Center, Alaska
• Jamie Booth, Kentucky, to St. Francis in the Foothills UMC, Tucson, Arizona
• Amber Feezor, Arkansas, to General Board of Church & Society, Washington, DC
• Kayla Flannery, Desert Southwest, to Detroit Annual Conference
• Sarah Hundley, Virginia, to Oklahoma Annual Conference
• Andrew Kastner, Missouri, to Young Adult Missional Movement of the Florida Annual Conference
• Caitlin Kastner, Missouri, to Young Adult Missional Movement of the Florida Annual Conference
• Emily Kvalheim, West Ohio, to Young Adult Missional Movement of the Florida Annual Conference
• Catherine Shaw, East Ohio, to Francis in the Foothills UMC, Tucson, Arizona
• Nicholas Stanford, West Michigan, Young Adult Missional Movement of the Florida Annual Conference
• Victoria Stanford, West Michigan, to Young Adult Missional Movement of the Florida Annual Conference
• Rachel Ternes, Rocky Mountain, to Central District Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference
• Christina Trager, Peninsula-Delaware, to Virginia Annual Conference
• Chelsea Williams, North Carolina, to Detroit Annual Conference.
Elliott Wright is an information consultant working with the General Board of Global Ministries.
GPUMRA gathering canceledThe Great Plains United Methodist Rural Advocates Gathering set forAug. 7 – 8, in Hays, Kansas, has been canceled.
Learn to discern your call with online class from Southwestern College
The Institute for Discipleship at Southwestern College, a United Methodist college in the Great Plains Episcopal Area, is enrolling students in the BeADisciple Academy. The academy is an online, 24-week exploration of God, self and call for high school- and college-age youth who are dedicated to growing in their faith. Enrollment will be open through Sept. 10. Throughout the class, students will explore the entire Bible, identify their unique gifts for ministry and discern how God is calling them to use their gifts in the world.
The cost is just $48, or just $2 per week. Sessions run concurrently with fall and spring academic semesters. Register online at www.BeADisciple.com/academy.
Heritage UMC starts community garden
In the winter of 2013, Heritage UMC (HUMC) in Overland Park, Kansas, formed a committee to research the idea of a community garden and what it would take to make this project a reality. According to Heritage pastor, Russell Brown, the goal of the project was three-fold.
“The idea for the garden came from our Health Ministry team originally,” Brown said. “They wanted to help folks in the congregation eat healthier. But we also saw it as a way to reach out to an apartment community nearby, and to make the garden a way to help us give fresh produce to community food banks. It is a real win-win-win.”
The first hurdle the garden team had to overcome was the cost. After mapping out a site plan, however, they obtained a $2,700 grant from The Big Garden organization in Omaha, Nebraska, which gave them the upfront money needed to get started. But then bureaucracy reared its head.
“Unfortunately, it took us a year to get the city planning commission’s approval,” said Pete Morley, head of the Heritage Community garden project “That approval was contingent upon completion of an ADA parking spot and a 200 foot water line.”
Fortunately the obstacles were overcome and garden construction began in May 2015. The garden dimensions were 100’ X 50’ which was then subdivided into 14 individual plots and a large community plot. The produce from the community garden plot would be donated to a food pantry.
The marketing piece for the community garden was developed and distributed to church members and people living in the surrounding area. By mid-May all of the plots were rented.
Fortunately, many church members/neighbors pitched in to make the community garden a community project. A scout raised money to construct a steel fence and a wooden gate and to mulch all the pathways. Others donated tools or money to purchase needed items. Other members volunteered their time and their skills, and the youth help plant.
According to Morley, the unseasonably rainy spring in Overland Park has been a real challenge for the first season of the Heritage garden.
“Certainly, the spring weather provided many challenges during the planting and early growing season,” said Morley. “The 16 inches of rain we had in May badly damaged the spring crops. We are now looking forward to a fall crop — hopefully with more cooperative weather.”
Garden plans for next year include adding sulfur to lower the pH level and compost to help break up the clay soil, all of which aims to improve crop productivity.
The mission of HUMC community garden is to provide the opportunity to grow and serve God by providing the space, education and assistance needed to cultivate gardens. A portion of these gardens will be distributed to those in need. HUMC’s vision is that their faith community and neighbors work together to garden and serve Jesus Christ.
New blog features Lay Servant Ministries
While we have many skilled pastors across the Great Plains Conference, all United Methodists are called to be ministers for Jesus by sharing their faith. For some, that may mean filling in at the pulpit. For others, it may mean leading a mission project or teaching a Bible study. For others, it may mean putting their music skills to work. The Lay Servant Ministries program aims to hone those discipleship skills via training and then service.
A new blog has been created on the Great Plains website. Look for the Lay Servant Ministries logo as our district leaders in this important ministry take turns writing every other week about the program and share not only what it means to them but how you can get involved in a meaningful way.
The first blog post comes from Mary Feit, the Lay Servant Ministries director for the Great Plains Conference.
Register now for Leadership Institute 2015
Leadership Institute at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, in Leawood, Kansas, brings together clergy, church staff and volunteers who share a passion for renewing churches. Leadership Institute will be held Oct. 1-2 (Pre-Institute to be Sept. 30), and features the theme of “Go and Lead.”
Lean in to the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by investing in your leadership and leaders of your church. Bring your ministry leaders to the largest mainline church training event in the country and be equipped, renewed and inspired to "Go and Lead."
Equip yourself with practical ministry ideas for any context through more than 80 different ministry workshops. Renew your passion and commitment to ministry leadership through worship, fellowship and encouragement from peers from across the country. Inspire your congregation and community by casting vision and creating plans for renewal of the church.
Details and registration can be found at li.cor.org. If you have any questions, you can submit them to catalyst@cor.org.
Bishop Jones receives check for $4000 from Grannie Annie for Camp Comeca
Ann and Dick Trail of McCook, Nebraska, hosted a tea party for Bishop Scott Jones Monday, July 27. Bishop Jones came to speak with Ann Trail, who has been selling prayer beads to raise funds for two camps.
Previously, Ann raised $10,000 for Camp Norwesca, by selling prayer beads Ann made. With Ann’s donation, Camp Norwesca was able to purchase a new roof on the outdoor chapel after the fires in the Chadron area a couple of years ago. On July 27, Ann was again able to deliver a check to Bishop Jones for one of the Great Plains camps. This time, the check, in the amount of $4000, will be used for a cabin at Camp Comeca. Those who were attending the tea party, were Ann’s husband Dick, Patty Keene who assisted with making many of the prayer beads, and Pastor Alisa Parde (CLM at Culbertson Trinity and Trenton First United Methodist churches).
“Great job Grannie Annie, and thank you Bishop Jones for coming all the way to McCook, Nebraska,” said Pastor Alisa Parde. “We are all on a mission now to raise more funds for Camp Comeca, may God bless this ministry, and help us to reach our goals. Amen.”
All-day fall youth kickoff planned for Aug. 29
Kick start your youth fall activities with a one-day event at Camp Fontanelle in Nebraska.
Middle-schoolers and high-schoolers are invited to take part in a day full of activities aimed at helping them build relationships with peers and with Jesus. The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 at Camp Fontanelle, just northwest of Omaha.
The cost is $20, which includes two meals, worship, games such as laser tag and jumping pillow, a zipline and more. The registration deadline is Aug. 24.
Download the registration form.
View flier.
For more information, contact the camp atfontanelle@greatplainsumc.org.
Larger churches invited to learn more about children’s ministry
Leaders in children’s ministries at larger local churches have the opportunity to learn how to be more effective at reaching the youngest people in society during the annual Children’s Ministry Forum.
The forum, scheduled for Nov. 17-19 in Little Rock, Arkansas, is an annual conference for children’s ministry leaders in large United Methodist congregations, usually considered to be more than 300 in worship. It is sponsored by Discipleship Ministries, the Large Church Initiative and the United Methodist Publishing House.
Through inspirational preaching, insightful keynotes, dynamic pre-conference seminars and revitalizing workshops, conference leaders will affirm, teach, encourage and guide participants as they grow in their ministry together. This year the forum will welcome the Rev. Telley Gadson, the Rev. Leanne Hadley, the Rev. Claire McKeever-Burgett, the Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Cleaver III and more.
With five different pre-conference seminars and more than 100 workshops to choose from, there is definitely something for everyone at this event. There also will be time for networking, sharing of ideas and spiritual renewal.
Register today.
Six students complete course of study at Saint Paul School of Theology
Six students with ties to the Great Plains Conference completed their course of study July 30 at Saint Paul School of Theology. They were anointed by their professors to go out to serve the church and the world.
The graduation ceremony was conducted at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas.
Graduates were: (front row, left to right) Glen Duderstadt, Berniece Ludlum and Scott Tempero, and (back row, left to right) Jerry Yount, Jerred Haydock and Bob Clemence.
Ministering to young U.S. military personnel
Friends of Our Troops, out of New Madrid, Missouri, is excited to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original letters to the military program, which was known as Vietnam Mail Call. Friends of Our Troops’ Mail for Our Military campaign continues that proud tradition, as plans are underway for the card and letter collection for Christmas 2015.
The group extends special thanks to Saint Marks UMC of Daleville, Virginia, led by George Pappas which was the leading United Methodist Church nationally in the most recent campaign. They were also one of the leaders among all churches nationally. The project would be suitable for United Methodist churches anywhere in the U.S.
Cards and letters from across the nation are received at the group’s headquarters, where it is thoroughly mixed. It is then separated into many hundreds of packages to be sent to U.S. military personnel across the U.S. and around the world. Special emphasis is placed on sending as much mail as possible to deployed and overseas-based troops.
To learn how you, your family, and your United Methodist group can help to make Christmas just a little brighter for U.S. troops, please send your name and address to Friends of Our Troops, P.O. Box 100, New Madrid, MO 63869. Instructions must be requested in advance. Friends of Our Troops thanks you, and so will our troops.
Conference to hear from UMC Global Ministries missionaries
Sandy Rasch will be traveling the entire Great Plains Conference Sept. 5 - 20. Emmanuel and Florence Mefor will be in the Hutchison and Wichita area Oct. 2 - 4.
If your church or church group is interested in hosting one of these missionaries, contact the Rev. Alan Gager atagager@greatplainsumc.org as soon as possible with the following information:
Preferred speaking date and time.
If the above date and time is not available, would an alternate be feasible for you?
To what group will they be speaking?
Who will be the direct contact person for your church/group?
Has your church/group hosted a missionary before?
If housing is needed would your church/group be able to financially pay for a hotel room or find a host bedroom? (Depending on the schedule this may be the night before or the night of the speaking engagement.)
Would your church/group be able to financially assist with transportation costs?
If needed (instead of the prior question) would your church/group be able to pick up and/or drop off the missionary from/to their next speaking location?
Once Gager receives this information, he will contact the person listed in question four.
An excellent fit
Epworth Village announces new CEO
A six-month search for a permanent executive director for Epworth Village, Inc., York, Nebraska, has now been completed with today’s announcement by Dr. Nancy Dob, president of the Epworth Village, Inc. Board of Directors.
Margaret Donovan of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, will begin her new position of chief executive officer of Epworth Village on Sept. 8, 2015. Donovan is currently serving as Sacred Heart Center executive director.
Sacred Heart Center is located on the Cheyenne River Indian reservation in north-central South Dakota. Donovan directs the center’s services which include four primary programs: child services, community outreach, family violence services and a thrift store. Sacred Heart Center services cover more than 4,707 square miles and includes some of the poorest, yet fastest growing, counties in the nation.
A Nebraska native, Donovan was born and raised in Valentine. She received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from University of Nebraska at Kearney and her juris doctor degree from Creighton University Law School in Omaha. Her professional focus has centered on children and families in crisis. She brings with her a wealth of experience working with at-risk youth and families. In addition, Donovan has worked within the framework of private, state and federal programs and in grant writing which will bring a new level of expertise to Epworth Village as it continues to expand its services.
Epworth Village is a Christ-centered family services agency and project of the United Methodist Church since 1889. Epworth Village works to bring hope and healing to youth and families in a compassionate and caring manner. Programs include; residential care, in-home family services, foster care training and support, transitional living and youth education through the Epworth Village Learning Center.
Epworth Village, Inc. Board President, Dob is “very excited about the selection of Margaret Donovan, a very qualified and experienced professional. She will be an excellent fit, coming to us with a similar background in our services, yet with an expanded area of expertise. We are looking forward to Margaret’s energy and ideas as we continue moving forward with our team efforts and mission. We are so thankful for Harrietta’s leadership over the past year during our transition. She will be returning to her position as a United Methodist Missionary coordinating the Epworth Partners Program. Harrietta and her husband Cliff will be returning to their home in Beatrice after a transition period.”
A community open house to formally welcome Donovan to Epworth Village is in the works. Date and time will be announced in the coming weeks.
Photo: Margaret Donovan of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, has been named chief executive officer of Epworth Village, Inc. in York. Donovan will be moving to York, assuming her duties on Sept. 8, 2015.
Reaching new heights
Epworth youth accept challenge
Epworth Village Boy Scout Troop 314 reached new heights during a visit to Cornhusker Council Boy Scout Outdoor Education Center (OEC) just east of Lincoln, Nebraska. The youth, both young men and women, accepted the challenge presented by the indoor rock climbing wall.
It was safety first as OEC staff hooked Epworth youth up to safety equipment prior to their climb.
Epworth Village Behavior Interventionist Shavon Skelton accompanied the group. Skelton says, “I just wanted to share with everyone what an awesome experience this day was for our youth. None of them gave up and even though some didn’t make it all the way to the top they all pushed themselves and truly gave it their all. They supported each other and used excellent communication, and teamwork helping one another try to get to the top. This was exciting to see, as most of them were afraid to climb the wall, but by the time we left they all had tried it at least twice and repelled down from the top too. This is why I love what I am doing here.”
Scout leaders Tammy and Ray Boston made the trip possible, and graciously invited girls from the newly opened Dinsdale Cottage to go along.
“It [the outing] was a reward for working hard the whole year. We went out to CiCi’s for pizza afterward,” Tammy states.
Epworth Village CEO Harrietta Reynolds says, “I think that Tammy and Ray Boston, as representatives of the Boy Scouts, are the perfect example of committed and dedicated volunteers. I appreciate them. These activities enrich our clients’ experience and get them out into the community. The Bostons are remarkable.”
Epworth Village is a National Mission Institution of the United Methodist Church. Epworth Village, Inc., is non-profit agency based in York, Nebraska. From its beginning as an orphanage in the 1880's, the mission of Epworth Village has been to bring hope and healing to children and families in the name of Christ.
Photos: Epworth Village boys and girls had the opportunity to make their way up the rock wall at the Cornhusker Council Boy Scout Outdoor Education Center just east of Lincoln, Nebraska. Epworth Village Boy Scouts from Troop 314 found there were rewards for reaching the top of the rock wall including getting to ring the bell and scoring a sweet treat.
Editorial
Faith-based reasons to oppose death penalty
Editor’s note: The following letter appeared in The Independent, a daily newspaper out of Grand Island, Nebraska. It is the opinion of retired Great Plains Conference United Methodist pastor, the Rev. Steve Griffith. He has provided his remarks for this week’s edition of GPconnect.
I remember the first time I was called on as a young minister to speak against the death penalty. It was at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bertrand, Nebraska. Trembling and uncertain how we would be received, another pastor and I shared our own beliefs about the sacredness of all life and the ineffectiveness of the death penalty.
In the 32 years since, we Nebraskans have kept talking, debating, advocating — and I hope not shouting too angrily. Now our elected representatives have listened and have replaced the death penalty with life in prison without parole.
Nebraska’s United Methodist, Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian and evangelical leaders stand together to oppose restoring the death penalty. Christianity teaches that we are created in the image of God — every one of us. And so each person is essentially good, and has divine potential. We are all God’s children, and each person’s very being is filled with the sacred breath of God.
Read the full letter on The Independent’s website.Faith-based reasons to oppose death penalty
Story by Rev. Stephen Griffith
I remember the first time I was called on as a young minister to speak against the death penalty. It was at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bertrand, Neb. Trembling and uncertain how we would be received, another pastor and I shared our own beliefs about the sacredness of all life and the ineffectiveness of the death penalty.
In the 32 years since, we Nebraskans have kept talking, debating, advocating — and I hope not shouting too angrily. Now our elected representatives have listened and have replaced the death penalty with life in prison without parole.
Nebraska’s United Methodist, Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian and evangelical leaders stand together to oppose restoring the death penalty. Christianity teaches that we are created in the image of God — every one of us. And so each person is essentially good, and has divine potential. We are all God’s children, and each person’s very being is filled with the sacred breath of God.
The death penalty denies this basic belief, that God can work in the life every person – no matter who they are or what they’ve done, no matter how tarnished or twisted or sinful – and transform their soul, their very being.
Some Christians who voice support of the death penalty point to passages that prescribe death by stoning for a variety of offenses. But Jesus took the opposite approach. Speaking to authorities who asked him what to do with a prisoner whose crime warranted execution, Jesus said, “Let anyone among you who is without sin throw the first stone.” (John 8.7)
I believe it is wrong to take a human life. It is wrong to take revenge. It is wrong to take a human life as revenge.
Many religions share an emphasis on mercy and compassion. These are nice-sounding ideas, but difficult in real life. They sound so warm and fuzzy, but how can real people facing real hurt and justified outrage have mercy and compassion? Mercy, however, is not a matter of waving off the seriousness of the offense. Compassion is not feeling sorry for someone. To have compassion is to open oneself to a bit of the hurt of the world, and to recognize that we cannot heal that hurt by adding to it. To show mercy is to work our hardest to treat another with the same kind of respect we want for ourselves, even if the other person is most unlovable or undeserving.
I’ve been speaking from my own faith perspective, but there are many other reasons to oppose the death penalty. Others have articulated these well. There are practical problems with the death penalty, including the way it is applied disproportionately to minorities.
There is the problem of error. Since 1973, 154 people under a sentence of death in the United States have been exonerated. Some of these people were convicted using false confessions and false evidence. Other convictions were overturned because of prosecutorial misconduct.
There is the problem of the delay of justice. Because death is such a final punishment, our legal system rightly goes to great lengths to strive for a right decision. The practical result is that the punishment becomes simply an idle threat. Without the death penalty, there is real justice. Those convicted will serve the rest of their lives in jail.
A wise elder reminds me from time to time to practice what she calls “holy agnosticism.” It’s a reminder to admit that I don’t know everything, don’t have perfect understanding or all the authoritative answers. Perhaps that’s my message for us all: we’re human, not God. Our human judgments are imperfect, and our decisions often flawed.
That, ultimately, is why I oppose the death penalty. I hope all Nebraskans will search their hearts, and decline to sign the petition.
The Rev. Stephen Griffith is a retired United Methodist pastor who lives in Lincoln.
Newsletters
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South Central Jurisdiction:
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Press Clips
- New Hope UMC to hold public sale
- Organ available to church in need
- St. Paul's UMC in Papillion seeks childcare workers
Press Clips
- Congregations across the Great Plains Conference are making the news in their local newspapers. View our newspaper clipping reports to see if there are stories, ideas and ministry happenings you can learn from to use in your own congregation. Press clips can be found at greatplainsumc.org/inthenews. You can see education partnership ideas at greatplainsumc.org/education.
- The content, news, events and announcement information distributed in GPconnect is not sponsored or endorsed by the Great Plains Methodist Conference unless specifically stated.
- To submit a letter to the editor, send it to info@greatplainsumc.org.
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